Content
Amitraz is a medicinal substance included in preparations for the treatment of bee diseases. They are used for preventive purposes and to eliminate tick-borne infections in the hive. Every beekeeper who cares about the health of his charges should become familiar with these drugs.
Application of amitraz in beekeeping
Amitraz is an organic compound of man-made origin. It is also called an acaricide. The substance is classified as triazopentadiene compounds. Medicines based on amitraz are effectively used to combat acarapidosis and varroa in bees. In some cases, they are used to prevent these diseases. Due to the moderate degree of toxicity in the use of amitraz, it is extremely important to follow safety precautions.
Amitraz has a targeted effect on mites, which are sources of varroatosis and acarapidosis. Preparations based on it are produced in the form of a solution. It is used to treat bee dwellings during periods of increased likelihood of infection.
Due to increased toxicity, treating a hive with 10 mcg of amitraz leads to the death of about half of the bees.Therefore, to achieve a therapeutic effect, minimal dosages are used.
When infected with acarapidosis, mites concentrate in the trachea of bees. It is not always possible to diagnose the disease in a timely manner, since the first signs of the disease become noticeable only several years after infection. Treatment with amitraz leads to the death of ticks. But beekeepers may get the impression that the drug also harms the bees. After treatment, single corpses of insects can be found at the bottom of the hive. The cause of their death is blockage of the trachea by mites. This fact has no direct relationship with treatment.
Amitraz-based drugs
There are several medicines containing amitraz that beekeepers actively use to treat tick-borne diseases. They differ in additional components and concentration of the active substance. The most effective drugs include:
- "Polisan";
- "Apivarol";
- "Beeping";
- "Apitak";
- "TEDA";
- "Tactician";
- "Warropol";
- "Amipol-T".
Polisan
“Polisan” is produced in the form of special strips, which, when burned, produce smoke with an acute acaricidal effect. It actively affects adult varroatosis and acarapidosis mites. The drug is usually used in the spring after bees fly around and in the fall after harvesting. This prevents the drug from getting into the honey.
The bee hive is treated with Polisan at temperatures above 10°C. It is advisable to carry out the treatment early in the morning or in the evening, after the bees return to their home. One strip of the drug is designed for 10 frames with honeycombs.The packaging should be opened immediately before placing it in the hive. An hour after placing the strip, check the completeness of combustion. If it has completely fallen, the entrances are opened to ventilate the bee house.
Apivarol
"Apivarol" is available for purchase in tablet form. The concentration of the active substance is 12.5%. The country of manufacture of the drug is Poland. For this reason, the cost of Apivarol is higher than the price of other drugs containing amitraz. Most often, the drug is used to treat varroatosis in bees.
The tablet is set on fire, and after the flame appears, it is blown out. This causes the tablet to continue to smolder, emitting clouds of smoke. 1 tablet is enough for a course of treatment. It is advisable to use a metal backing to support the smoldering tablet. It is placed in the middle of the nest through the entrance. It is important to ensure that the strip does not touch the wood. The bees are treated for 20 minutes. In some cases it is repeated, but no later than after 5 days.
Bipin
"Bipin" is a yellowish liquid with a repulsive odor. On sale it is found in packages with ampoules of 0.5 ml and 1 ml. Before use, the drug is diluted with water at the rate of 1 ml of product per 2 liters of water. The water temperature should not exceed 40 °C. The medicine must be used immediately after dilution. Otherwise, it will spoil.
To treat bees, the solution is poured into a plastic bottle with holes in the lid. You can also use a medical syringe or a smoke gun. If necessary, it can be made independently using available materials. Processing must be carried out in a protective suit. It is equally important to protect your respiratory system from toxic smoke.
Apitak
"Apitak" is produced in ampoules with a solution in a concentration of 12.5%. Volumes of 1 ml and 0.5 ml are available for purchase. 1 package contains 2 ampoules with solution. In addition to the main component, the drug contains neonol and thyme oil.
"Apitak" for bees is used mainly for varroatosis. The desired effect is achieved thanks to a pronounced acaricidal effect. The active substance blocks the transmission of nerve impulses in ticks, which leads to their death. Thyme oil enhances the effect of the main component. That is why the drug is in great demand.
Bees are treated with "Apitak" in the fall. The most favorable conditions for the procedure are at temperatures from 0°C to 7°C. In the middle zone, processing is carried out in mid-October.
Before carrying out therapeutic measures, 0.5 ml of the substance is diluted in 1 liter of warm water. For one street, 10 ml of the resulting emulsion is calculated. Re-processing of the bee home is carried out after a week. The “Apitak” smoke gun is used in cases where it is necessary to get rid of not only varroatosis, but also acarapidosis. Distribution of the drug by spraying is considered less effective.
TEDA
In order to fumigate the bee resident, the drug “TEDA” for bees is often used. The instructions for use dictate that the hive be treated three times for varroatosis and six times for acarapidosis. The medicine based on amitraz is produced in the form of a cord, 7 cm long. The package contains 10 pieces.
The drug "TEDA" for bees is used in the autumn. The main condition for processing is a temperature of at least 10°C.1 cord is enough to treat one bee colony. It is set on fire at one end and placed on plywood. In the smoldering state, the cord should lie in the hive until it burns out completely. During the processing period, the tapholes must be closed.
Tactician
“Tactic” rids the hive of varroatosis due to the acaricidal effect of amitraz. When used correctly, amitraz has no negative effects on bees and does not reduce the quality of honey. The drug is sold in the form of a solution with a high concentration of the active substance. 1 ml of solution is enough for 20 treatments. Before use, Tactic is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:2.
The process of diluting the solution is carried out immediately before treatment. Amitraz is not intended for long-term storage. The Tactics distribution process is carried out using a smoke cannon.
Warropol
The release form of Varropol differs from other variations containing amitraz. The drug comes in the form of strips. They are placed in the hive for a long time. There is no need to burn the strips. Bees will independently distribute amitraz throughout their home using the hairs that cover their body. For 6 frames you will need 1 strip of “Warropol”.
Care must be taken when laying out strips of amitraz. It is advisable to first put rubber gloves on your hands. After treatment, you should not touch your face. This may result in toxic substances getting into your eyes.
Amipol-t
"Amipol-T" is produced in the format of smoldering strips. The main active ingredient is amitraz. 2 strips are enough for 10 frames. If the bee colony is small, then one strip is enough.It is placed in the middle of the nest. The duration of the stripes' stay in the hive varies from 3 to 30 days. It depends on the degree of neglect of the disease and the amount of printed brood.
The location of the stripes and their number depend on how weak the family is. In a strong family they put 2 pieces - between 3 and 4 cells and between 7 and 8. In a weak family, one stripe will be enough.
Shelf life and storage conditions
Preparations containing amitraz on average retain their properties for 2 years from the date of manufacture. The optimal storage temperature ranges from 0°C to 25°C. It is advisable to keep medications in a dark place, away from children. Diluted medicine in emulsion format can only be stored for a few hours. It is advisable to treat the bees immediately after preparation, since amitraz deteriorates quite quickly. With proper use and storage, the likelihood of developing negative consequences is extremely low.
Conclusion
Amitraz has a high degree of effectiveness. The success rate of getting rid of ticks is 98%. The disadvantages of the substance include high toxicity. To avoid unforeseen complications, safety precautions must be followed.
